Positively Inspirational: The Duo Behind Round Top’s 550 District

In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business people about what inspires them. This month’s interview is with Cathy Frietsch, who, along with her husband Steve, own the 550 District in Round Top.

1.) What is your business?

My husband, Steven Frietsch, and I are the owners of the 550 District in Round Top, Texas which is just past the square on North Washington Street. We have an entertainment venue there that includes the Stone Cellar and Jon Perez Restaurants and bars, the 550 Market for shopping and fun libations in our own great Speakeasy (the Mark), and also a fabulous Texas historical landmark The Round Top Dance Hall.

It was a dream for us to be a part of this community and be able to provide a fun and welcoming experience for everyone of all ages to enjoy food, music, art, and entertainment all at one location while being among friends and neighbors.

2.) How did you get started?

Actually, we moved to the area six years ago and immediately fell in love with the area. I had always wanted to open a store for fashion and have collected cowboy boots- particularly Tres Outlaws boots. The owner of the Boot company and I were friends and a deal was made, and I decided to open a store location here. Steven and I were blessed to have been given the opportunity to find our 550 location, and although we hadn’t intended on such an unexpected undertaking at the time, it has been wonderful.

3.) How long have you been in business?

Almost four years now. We started off with a major construction project at the beginning.

4.) Is this a family or one person business? 

Great question! It’s definitely a family business. Steven runs the restaurants, and I am more concerned with the Dancehall, the 550 Market, and the Speakeasy. I also have my own store as well, the Rockabilly Baroness.

5.) What kind of service do you provide? 

From Fine Dining to catered events, honky-Tonk bands and champagne cocktails to Manhattans.... we can do it all. Laura Goodson paintings. Amazing custom clothing and furniture. Antiques to rugs to Hermes bags (yes, they are real). We’ve got everything for anybody. Looking for a custom Chimayo jacket or a Custom HAT? Look no further. Wallet? Handbag? Come on in.

The 550 Market was designed to be a Maker’s Market- designers catering to those who love the arts and the artisans behind the products they create. We are here to help you today.

6.) Tell me something unique about your business?

We believe that there is a value in community and in all of the products that we sell. We stand behind everything we promote.

Otherwise we wouldn’t have it here. I am personally so very proud to invite you here and experience our many places on site. I want you to know how welcome you will feel when you arrive.

7.) What is your background? 

Having grown up in Louisiana, I am a bit of a newbie to Texas (I did go to UT, but graduated from TCU in ‘91). After receiving my Bachelor’s degree (Science), I moved to Houston, followed into fashion for years, and moved into sales. I worked for many years in medical sales and loved it. My passion for fashion won out though and here I am again. Steven, however, was born in Houston and went to UT. With the exception of a few years in New York, has lived most of his life in the Houston area. We did also have a beautiful farm near the Brazos River for many wonderful years before we bought our current home in Fayetteville.

8.) What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?

Oh, I say ‘Carpe diem!’, ‘Woo-Hoo!’, and ‘what are you waiting for?!’ Time’s a wasting. Literally. What’s to lose? You are going to learn so much. About yourself, about others, about life. But go in with no expectations or unrealistic past ‘outdated’ business models. Read Entrepreneur magazine. Ask questions to mentors. Notice I said mentors.

9.) Do you believe in college, trade school, or any training? Absolutely. I have always relied on my education. I only wish I had taken it more seriously when I was younger. Having said this though, there are exceptions to this rule, like I can’t even explain Steve Jobs. I am no Steve Jobs. Ha!

10.) How did you decide to make Fayette County your home? Easy. The people who make this community what it is. That’s like asking why a person likes apple pie. It’s every single thing all bundled together and warmed, all together in a perfect crust. Fayetteville, Round Top and the surrounding areas ‘had me at hello.’